Credit union marks 25th anniversary – Keighley News

A KEIGHLEY and Bradford credit union will celebrates its 25th anniversary AGM next Thursday. (Feb 14)

Bradford District Credit Union was started by the council, and has helped thousands save up and get low cost loans.

The organisation doubled in the last five years to 6,700 members. One of its projects is primary school saving clubs.

Ian Brewer, financial inclusion development officer with the union, explained: “’LifeSavers’ is a savings club initiative developed through the Church of England.

“Many adults say they remember saving at the Yorkshire Penny Bank as children, so we’re bringing saving back to schools.”

Supporting the project is Anti-Poverty Champion and Keighley councillor Cath Bacon who is the credit union’s vice chairman.

She said: “We’re a co-operative where residents can join, save and borrow . It’s a safe environment where we don’t put profit before people.”

She and Mr Brewer attended the launch of Wibsey Primary’s new savings club. Mr Brewer said managing their own money helps pupils with maths and IT. “We’ve heard so many stories of how their maths has improved just by being able to work the numbers,” he said.

The scheme is at its maximum capacity of 12 schools in the district. The credit union AGM is open to all members and is on Thursday February 14 at 12.30pm in Bradford City Hall.